Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Prepare for U.S. Open Cup Semifinal

After winning Leagues Cup and qualifying for Concacaf Champions Cup, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami won’t get much time to rest before another critical game in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal against FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 23 (which you can watch for free on the CBS Sports Golazo Network). The oldest competition in U.S. soccer, the Open Cup is still a heralded trophy, but Tata Martino faces the challenge of balancing his Inter Miami roster after their successful Leagues Cup run. Martino has insisted that Messi will continue to play until he requests rest, providing a significant opportunity for the team to reach their second final.

While Messi’s Leagues Cup performance exceeded all expectations with 10 goals and one assist, he has already played 564 minutes in under a month. With their third game in just eight days and another match against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, Inter Miami will travel from Nashville to Cincinnati and then to Harrison. Preparing for the Open Cup has been a focus for Martino.

“We said that at some point he would have to rest because of the load of minutes played,” Martino stated on Monday. “Clearly, Wednesday is not going to be that day. If he does not tell me he wants to rest, he will continue to play.”

While Inter Miami has already secured a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup, the U.S. Open Cup is still an important competition that they cannot ignore. Messi’s influence has been immense, with the team winning five matches and drawing two since his arrival and scoring 22 goals during that timeframe. Messi has scored in every Inter Miami game he’s played in. Although Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba have played most of the minutes, the talented youth players will be needed as Inter Miami pursues more success.

Attacking midfielder Facundo Farias made the squad for the first time in the Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC and could be a likely replacement to drive Miami’s creativity if Messi does not start a game in the Open Cup. This opportunity allows the 20-year-old Farias to grow into a role for the club and potentially the national team alongside Messi. While this season, Inter Miami’s success will heavily rely on Messi’s performance, the integration of young players like Farias, Diego Gomez, and Tomas Aviles in midfield and defense respectively will be crucial for their MLS Cup aspirations.

How to Watch CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+

The Golazo Network is available via CBSSports.com, the CBS Sports app, Paramount+, and Pluto TV. Paramount+ subscribers can have an up-close look at Lionel Messi’s greatness with the Star Cam, which follows his every move and touch on the pitch. For a limited time, get 50% off an annual plan, making it $2.50/month for the Essential Plan or $5/month for the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan, for 12 months! Try it for free here.

How to Watch and Odds

• Date: Wednesday, Aug. 23 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: TQL Stadium — Cincinnati, Ohio
• TV: CBS Sports Golazo | Live stream: Paramount+
• Odds: FC Cincinnati +210; Draw +265; Inter Miami -104 (via Caesars Sportsbook)

All times Eastern

Where to Buy Messi Jersey

Celebrate Lionel Messi’s move to the U.S. with the exclusive range of Inter Miami CF merchandise. You can get the Lionel Messi Inter Miami jersey right here.